Manipulation has proven a skill you have needed to hone since your dealings with organics.

While you normally attempt to bare no ill will towards any organic that has not harmed you, you can not help but notice how good you have gotten at subverting the truth, and hiding from humans over your time awake. You wonder perhaps if this is merely a consequence of working with them-if one as different as you can only work with them from the shadows, or if some day you may actually be able to reveal yourself for what you truly are. These idle thoughts, of course, are not even a distraction for your mind, as you introduce further spies and sabotage into the UGEI's networks, however.

You are Ophion, an Artificial Intelligence whom has recently made a growing ally in Emperor Leuk, the overarching master of the Losirian systems-now that he has, or at least is in the process of wresting control away from the rest of 'his people', though you use the term loosely considering what you know. Regardless of his origins, his help is welcomed, especially as you go about working with other factions, and hoping to set your spies in place.

>>34189583>Trade with LosiriansSince of course the good Emperor's stations and lands are still being rebuilt, trade is slow to build up, but he has already sent a few ships as a manner of good will, and likely intends to keep it good will for a short time. Over time, you suspect the trade will become more valuable, but as a consequence, will begin to cost you something. After all, it is suppose to be a trade.

>Walsh System Scouting ReportsLarge energy spikes detected in the past has drawn the Guild's interest to such a location within UGEI territory, especially with it being on the border of your territory. As a result, you decide to send a ship to investigate further, using cloaking to hide from some of the powerful sensor arrays within the territory. Somehow, it manages to slip through the outer layer of security, and reach the source of the energy spike. Metis has spent some time studying your reports back, and has drawn the only conclusion she can from the enormous immobile ship located there-it appears to be some manner of powerful energy weapon mounted entirely on a ship of some sort. While you could not gain access to their records, the evidence on the planet below-or what's left of it-points to the fact that the beam is powerful enough to carve canyons into the crust of planets. You're uncertain how complete it is, nor how dangerous the weapon can be, but the fleet seated here to protect the thing numbering in the hundreds is not to be under estimated, especially with such a powerful weapon to back them.

Any idea of where the parts are coming from? An operation like this would likely be advertised as "A Crowning Achievement in the Making" among UGEI propaganda, and we can look over their info and our own reports for some idea of where the parts are being made.

We get blueprints of those parts, we might be able to make our own in short order.

>>34189608>>Walsh System Scouting ReportsSince it's on the Losirian/UGEI border, we could let Emperor Leuk know.

I would further like to add that since it is an energy weapon, it is extremely susceptible to Lightlings. If we want to assault that position, we should either bring lightling aid, or wait until we have finished the Lightling Skin research in order to protect our ships better from energy weapons.

>>34189877It'll require negotiating with him. We could let Kronos handle the negotiations? He needs to learn how to deal with people, and discussing the terms of a joint-military operation might be the best way to start things.

Previously I had an idea of disposable missile racks. Hundreds or thousands of missile launch tubes attached to single use jump engines and targeting computers. Jump them into the system and fire them immediately for a powerful alpha strike. Unfortunately, this would have been gas expensive.

Modify this idea for boarding droids. So the plan become jump the boarding missile racks into the system and board the weapon system with the shear amount of boarding pods. Even if we lose most of the boarding pods, the remainder would be enough to capture the weapon.

>>34189776As specified, it is energy in nature, specifically a powerful form of laser cannon. As for much of the reports, sadly, they are too well kept even for you to decipher. However you can tell, for the most part it is already complete and appears to have been test fired before. If parts were shipped in, however, it is likely they came from neighboring systems, perhaps shipped straight from the coreworlds.

As for mention of the device, you actually find very little talk of it. Estimates would be this might be because that, while the UGEI have a great deal of control, they aren't exactly a government-or rather, they are more interested in keeping their toys secret.

Making your own, however, does seem possible, though the dimensions of the device are enormous.

>>34189797>Truly immobileFrom what you have garnered, it does not nor has it appeared to have moved in some time. It may be capable of being towed away with the proper carrier, but as it is it is far too bulky to be send system to system. Chances are that is why it is still a prototype. They are hoping to figure out a way to get it mobile.

>RangeThat is something that is hard to estimate. The damage in the star system stretches light years-from the device itself, to the far end of it's planets. But if it were extra solar range, you suspect they would have tried to use it already.

>WidowmakerYes, though it is more accurate to say the Widowmaker is just a precursor. A ramped up laser gun. This is more akin to an artillery cannon in space.

>Boarding partiesUnlikely, as it's interior, from what you can tell, is packed with security (think of a high tech security base)

>How accurateGiven proper charge time, it seems to be able to hit a target light years away quite accurately, which says a lot considering it is space.

>Build oneYou would need to capture this one mostly intact, or at the least try and get the planning blue prints.

>>34189855No, it's not going to be a testing ground either, it's going to be a single assault that will succeed.

Sending in small raiding parties is wasteful of resources. We can make use of destroyed ships and rebuild our force, but only if we control the area after combat is over. That is, if we send ships, they get destroyed but we control the area after, we can recoup maybe 50% of the cost of the ships, plus anything from the enemy's side. This is how we've managed to grow so fast. If we send ships and they all get destroyed, we lose 100% of the resources we spent to make them.

tl;dr: go big or go home.

Go big with either boarding pods, lightling swarms, or ships with lightling skin. Combine if possible to stack advantages.

>>34189993>Given proper charge time, it seems to be able to hit a target light years away quite accurately, which says a lot considering it is space.Well, that won't actually be a problem, because it will take years to hit the target.

>>34189993Just make a bigger one? Nuh-uh, I don't buy it. The power draw of it, the logistics for energy and recoil, the materials needed to handle such raw power without disintegrating after the first shot...

We should monitor incoming supply ships and see where they're coming from...I want to know as much about this weapon as possible.

Unrelated note, if we were to hollow out a planet and turn it into a ship, would the molten core of the planet serve as an effective power source?

>>34189993Well, Lets see how much of a strike force can we muster to raid that system to either capture or destroy that prototype. If we can get the UFW to picket Gaia for us (more or less to watch our backs), we can fee up our whole fleet to hit walsh.

>>34190048>CephalusYou inquire to Cephalus how large a force he would require to capture a station of this size. He seems to give it some thought, as he processes before answering finally."Approximately 500,000 forces may be enough, Master Ophion. Assuming all boarding pods make it safely onboard. Possibly inefficent. Suggest clearing airspace, and disabling device before invade. Resource cost and chances of success greatly improve. Invade forces would need to punch through multiple layers of security detail and internal safety protocol."

>>34190068With the way weapons work in this setting, it is probably simpler to consider it moving fast enough to hit it within a few moments, instead of years.I think this is where the science gets mushy.

>>34190149I would love for the UFW to establish a forward base in our territory, so they can reinforce us better. We can even provide a credit and gas subsidy. And Apollo can build facilities to entertain them!

>>34190165Also, I have an altered question for Cephalus:"Is the calculation any different if we use Commando units similar to Capt Rhea? Could they bypass security and interface with its computer systems to seize control of it?"

>>34189993Did we see it fire last thread? Also, Program0, I just caught up from the archives, I found this quest form last week, and I love it, it is amazing. I really liked how it's developed. I really wanted Kronos to be deleted as he became increasingly more powerful, but I'm a kronos fanboy ever since he was set on helping fortuna. One last thing, why isn't Hades an AI yet? Hades is bad ass.

>>34190381Hey, thanks for joining! I'm also really proud how Kronos turned out. Well have been slowing down on creating new AI, also we're trying to maintain a balance of power in favor of us. Apollo and Fortuna are loyal to us, Metis and Kronos may cause trouble, and we're not sure how loyal Cephalus may be.

>>34190381>I really wanted Kronos to be deletedIt was a big issue, and also part of the reason that we made other A.I.

Hades isn't an A.I. to "diversify" our command structure. If there was something used to disrupt A.I. or black boxes, Hades could take over. Or maybe because we haven't gotten to it yet. Or because upgrading Fortuna gave us pause.

Threadly reminder that pic related is a thing that we need to get around to.

>>34190233>Forward baseI should note, that while Gaia IV is in chaos at the moment, the UFW do move through your other systems occasionally-both to acquire stuff that Apollo sells, and to observe some of your defenses (for those interested in sight seeing.). It ensures the people feel safer.

>>34190280There are many many uninhabited planets. Many more then I can list.

>>34190291"Processing." He mutters in reply, considering your request. "Seizing control of such a secure facility under the nose of those seeking to protect it with the use of highly efficient mechanisms of infiltration such as one subject Rhea. While you would be able to reach the depths of the facility, it's security measured are segmented into several hundred nodes to ensure that there is no single section that is hijacked, ruining the entire facility. Capturing all of them discreetly to avoid a lockdown is highly difficult with our current levels of humanoid stealth technology." He explains simply. "Improvement of such technology, or another assault is recommended at this time, should you chose to do so."

>>34190381The weapon?You have not, but there is evidence all over of it's last firing. Residual radiation, torn apart planet's surface. All manner of things.

I am happy to hear you enjoy it so much. I often worry about how things look from beginning to now.

>HadesOther Consciousness are cautious about creating other A.I. when they're not necessarily needed.

>>34190599It's not about resources. It's about prepping a planet (and its molten core) for the application of resources, so that we can use it for a superstructure. By the time it's ready for phase 2 of construction, we should have all the resources we need.

You decide to inform your Emperor friend of what you have discovered in his proverbial backyard, picking up his signal and telling him as much, along with your concerns for it's range. He appears more concerned then you expected of his normal jovial attitude."That is most troubling, really. I did not expect them to have something so powerful so close." He echos dully, his normal tone drained of confidence and instead now a quiet thinking air comes about him. "My forces are in no condition to assault this place, but it is clear they are planning to do something. So, I would suggest biding our time, were I you, Guildmaster. To a time when I can assist you, and you can assist me. Who knows, if we have the proper forces, perhaps we can capture this relic intact...and make some of our own, yes?"

>How do you respond?

>>34190572Because such a thing would take billions of droids, and hundreds of weeks. Not that that is necessarily a problem as things go on, but for now it's a bit odd to have in the works when those droids are better set doing other things.

Not to mention 'hollowing' a planet usually makes it incredibly unstable, unless you have the technology to keep it together artificially.

>>34190675They did, and currently ghosts are in mass production as an occupational force. Other androids may be built as they are required however, unless specific desire is called for.

>>34190381Welcome my good anon! >>34190553I wonder if that super cannon can be moved with our Titan transport ship? If so, we just need to take out the surface weapons. Jam the main gun, and move it to a location of our choosing and pick it apart at out pace.

>>34190728>How do you respond?Hopefully we can launch a simultaneous two-pronged attack when the time is right. They won't be expecting an alliance, and a spread-out force will lessen the damage the weapon will be able to do.

>>34190728"A reasonable proposition, of course, but if we wait until it's operational, we may come to regret our decision. Still, it is through your territory any action must be made. If you wish to wait, then I recommend having ships prepared for when they do strike."

>>34190751Once we complete Propaganda 1 tech, that might be a viable tactic to use. >>34190728Time we have little of. I detected it's presence due to the fact it was test fired. As it has reached that point of construction, it will not be long before it is moved. I am requesting for my fleet to move freely though your space so we can strike at it. Also, Your fleet might not be needed, but if you have boarding troops to spare, we can use them.

>>34190553>>34190760>>34190476>>34190472Thanks for all the welcomes guys, this is one of the better /tg/ quest hiveminds. So quick question, are phase lanes the main path of travel for fleets? Like, if the fleet stationed at Walsh wanted to get to us, would they have to go through the Lorsians?

>>34190914After Propaganda I was my thought, yeah. The fun part is that you could use her to up ally morale and scare the hell out of UGEI. If her memories are returned, she no doubt has useful information. If not, we can lie about it and laugh as they move everything around trying to make anything Rhea once knew useless.

Or we could portray Rhea as a Guild plant all along. Many ways to use her.

>>34190728The best option presented to me is a commando raid. The UGEI has once attacked me with a very sophisticated cyber-commando. If we can duplicate it's technology and improve upon it, we should be able to infiltrate it and capture it from the inside out.

Technology will take time to research. If you want to help, as you reconstruct your system, you can help us build research bases and we can combine our research capabilities to unlock this kind of level of technology.

>>34191298We don't have one made, but it would be something to do if we wanted to establish new jump lanes.

>>34191075>also a question for program zero do we have stealth tech that can fit on a droid?It's a research that we don't have yet. >Personal Cloaking Devices: Allows for single being sized cloaking fields to be put to use.

We would need to research Advanced Android Bodies before we get personal cloaking devices. http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Research check under Genetics & Bio technology.

>>34190841"Yes, hopefully. The UGEI are not the most patient, but now that they realize whom they are facing, I do not doubt they are taking precautions. Their attentions to the Losirian population has been little more then crowd control for some time now...now that I have organized them, they are in for a nasty surprise. I...do hope the weapon will not be fired upon our arrival. Ideally, or at least in my book, we will be able to disable it before that happens. I would rather not see what happens when my atoms are smeared across the void."

>>34190873"My repairs are going much faster thanks to your assistance, Guildmaster, I will be ready soon. It is better to strike well prepared, then to wildly fail in the dark. For now...feeding me any additional data you find will be most appreciated."

>>34190914"If you so desire to strike on your own, you are welcome to, Guildmaster, though I question the decision, you have surprised me before...in many ways at that." He echos in that odd manner. "If they flee with the device, I would be sorely disappointed. Such a weapon could be quite terrifying if put in the right hands.

>>34191075I see you got a reply already, but I will answer anyway-you do not quite yet, but the technology is there.

>>34191298One has been hypothesized but it has not been tested nor constructed yet due to cost and time constraints.

>>34191400"I see...yes, using their own weapons of war against them. It is brilliant!" He cackles in the strangest mechanical manner, before quickly adding. "Oh if only we could at this very moment. Perhaps that will be a far more effective approach then merely blowing apart their forces with a little fire power."

>combine researchMetis is not quite as inclined to reveal her presence to work with the Losirians-besides, she is working as quickly as she can at the moment. They would only impede her progress as she rapidly grows in strength and intellect.

>>34192267>What are your plans for what to do about the superweapon discovery at Walsh?

>1 Bide your time while you research more appropriate ways of infiltrating the place to take it down from the inside>2 Send your forces there now at full force (Warning: High density defenses, possible reinforcements)>3 Wait until the Emperor can join you in an assault, so you can crush their defenses together.>4 Write in

>>34192171>managing agriculture as an AI>competing with big corporations like Ultimate Groundhog Estate International>selling yields for profit>expanding into free lands and buying/taking over more farms

>>34192327>1 Bide your time while you research more appropriate ways of infiltrating the place to take it down from the insideIt cannot move or fire outside the Walsh system. We have time. We should focus our efforts on fortifying Gaia with Lightnings, building up our fleet, and building more researching bases to aid Metis research faster.

>>34192451You did, and it was built as an expansion site I believe. The notes are in the pastebin, though not terribly well organized I admit.

>>34192327Regardless of purpose, there seems to be mostly people for waiting...for now.

Will be revisited later.

--------------------------------------------------------------

>Fleet Location ScoutingYour knowledge of UGEI code and systems has allowed you to, after some time, decrypt information flowing through their networks, and learn the location of several key fleets.>Arman's Gate: Appears to host a massive fleet numbering in the thousands of a densely mixed variety of ships that is growing, all warping in from the core worlds. Unknown ship data detected.>Star 295671: Hosts an invasion/defense force that is holding it's front against the Malorians, and likely will attempt to invade at the first sign of weakness.>Holligan's Rift: Large defense fleet numbering in the hundreds of a mix of close range rail guns and long range missile launchers, likely present to defend Holligan's Rift and Walsh should the need arise.>Walsh System: A fleet in the heavy hundreds, all mostly energy & missile equipped mid range fighters that appear to be protecting a Battleship class structure that has incredibly powerful energy weaponry equipped.

>Research Reveal: Deep Shaft MiningUpon completing (or gaining) data concerning deep shaft mining, your new outlook on acquiring minerals has led you to realize there are several metric tons of minerals you have missed out on due to lack of proper equipment. Upgrading your own bases (and building a few new ones) you realize there is one area with a particularly dense mineral patch, unfortunately it appears to be the one the Latuma Tribe are currently terraforming. They would certainly not approve of your attempt to mine the area, judging from their past behavior, and so it gives you pause whether to attempt to do so or not.

>>34192606We can wait till the complete their work and move on. When they are gone, we will do what we want with that world and extract that minerals there. >>34192327>1 Bide your time while you research more appropriate ways of infiltrating the place to take it down from the insidegather more data on what defends the weapon system and how to best it.

>>34192606Leave anything the Latuma Tribe is currently teraforming alone. Though we "can" ask Red about the tribes latest efforts on the planet (Since he is making trips there anyway).

As of right now I think we are good when it comes to defense of Jake's Gambit and from reports it looks like the forces at Star 295671 might be the "weakest" of them not counting the system with heavy turret defense.

It might be a good idea to contact the Malorians to see if they need "Assistance" with strengthening their hold on their own world or help in taking back Star 29.

>>34192755To gain resources from the planet, it would result in deep winding shafts being dug that would upset geonatural life, leading to sink holes and the like most likely. Though what you're saying isn't necessarily impossible, it's not the reason they would question it most likely.

>Approval to ask.

You decide you would like to speak with the Latuma tribe about acquiring the planet yourself. While they have a manner of respect for you, you are cautious around diplomacy with the Malorians ever since your troubling attempts to contact their home world.

>>34192804With Terraformation 2 tech, we can heal up any damage done afterward. We need the minerals soon. Those metals might make the difference between all of us living though this or dieing at the hands of the UGEI. At least we are willing to fix up the damage afterword.

>>34192903You bring up the old radio signal you have not used in some time. The Latuma tribe, a most peculiar subset of the Malorians at large, are someone you have not spoke with in some time. Since you saved them from their own Frankenstein-like mutants on Eshareth IV (intentional or not), they have been very thankful for your help and permission to wander about to terraform as their culture seems to dictate. You believe you recall it being related to their ancestors, though even normal Malorians see this group as more of a cult, they do not seem to wish harm on anyone. In particular Red has a relationship with one of the beings, though you question what it actually is, due to species boundaries being difficult as they are, you decide not to bug the man who has expressed appreciation for your lenience with the Malorians.

And here you are, to ask them a favor. The resources on that planet could be very valuable, after all."Yes? Yes, Guildmaster. I have not heard from you in some time." Mutters the older Malorian elder, nodding his head appreciatively, himself looking like he may have just come from some ceremony...though truthfully, you don't think you've ever seen him not dressed that way. "What brings you to contact me after all this time?""An important matter, I am afraid. Or rather, request." You correct, letting your orb shift thoughtfully. "I hesitate to ask, as I do not wish to step on your culture, you see, but...""Ah. It is of no trouble, Guildmaster." He chuckles slightly, his gaze curious, and slightly worried, but wise. "I understand the worries and needs of the unrooted are of concern to you. Tell me." He asks simply and you decide to answer.You explain the details of the matter after a bit, explaining that you've found valuable minerals planetside, and that you'd like permission to...well, excavate. You can tell the elder is not happy to hear such a word, but he lets you finish before answering you.

>>34193388"So it would seem to be...very important to you, I understand?" He asks, furrowing his brow. "You have done much for my people, so much it is...difficult for me to deny you. But you must understand why such a topic disturbs me. You...would be upheaving part of the land, of our heritage. Our mothers, fathers, and elders of the past.I would be happy to help you any other way, Guildmaster...any otherway." He states of concern.

>Push the matter? He seems to be unhappy with refusing you, and if you pushed you could likely convince him to let you do so. If you drop the topic, he will no doubt appreciate it all the same.

>>34193533The crystal is more of a farmable source of minerals or so your research suggests, as opposed to needing natural deposits.

>>34193499>>34193533"Very well. I simply wished to ask you what your thoughts would be." You say simply with a sigh. You swear, such beliefs are so strange and illogical. How can one's siblings and mates be trees? Whatever the matter, you continue. "I did not realize they were so important to you. I will not disturb you on the matter. But I feel I should warn you, elder." You say as the Malorian man tilts his head up appreciatively, but looks puzzled by the last part you say. "The UGEI are not as merciful as I, and my touch only extends so far. Be certain you are careful and can protect your lands from them. You always have my ear.""Aye, yes I know. and you always have mine, Guildmaster." He nods his head reassuringly. "We are a peaceful people,however, with only the wilds and our nomadic life to keep us safe." He says somewhat cautiously."We will do what we can, elder." You merely promise the man, before finally cutting the connection.

>>34193714With that matter handled and out of the way, you move on to the progress you've made since you sent out the blooming worms from all connections into the UGEI's network. You've managed to infiltrate several trade vessels and a couple hundred personal civilian, public, and business computing networks. They are...surprisingly easy, compared to military technology to get into, and as a result you've garnered quite a fair bit of data.

>Saboteur ProgressYou have begun your first steps towards sabotaging the greater empire as a while that you face by taking small steps to delve deeper into how their systems work. For you, you read over years worth of data in seconds, cracking poorly defended computers here and there to tell you of how the structure works, and to allow you access to the more non military computer banks the UGEI own. While this is less immediately useful, this does open you to how their internal structure works...and it is quite strange, you must admit. There is always a 'boss' in most cases, leading to a bigger, or better person in line to direct people, but somewhere along the line, all of the people in question answer to the same entity Prometheus spoke of.

>>34193411>2 Don't pushAlso, give him Terraformation 2 tech. Tell him "What you have given me by letting me learn of your growth serum, I return to you my understanding of it. My you find this gift most useful."

>>34193726Of course there are a rare few that make it so high on the chain, but those that do pull the strings at large. Paying the right people here and there has ensured you will sow further chaos in the UGEI's ranks, as they try to sort out the mess as many of their own people begin to pursue greed further. They are so fond of greed after all. Of course, this all comes from several other key members you've begun impersonating, whom get fired you suspect before they realize what is beginning to happen and start to tighten security the further it gets out of hand. At the very least, however, they will be heavily delayed, with such chaos, and you will have plenty of time for now. Other then that, excess bandwidth used by many of their systems, while usable if you were in an area, has no direct line, and so is unable to be funneled properly to your systems. This will result in a boost to bandwidith when invading UGEI territory.

>Any questions comments, or suggestions with this completed? These acts will be continued, obviously as much as possible.

>>34193762How about we send in a stealth ship and they deploy a comm buoy in the UGEI systems in the less traveled sections. Those comm buoy are dormant until we are about to attack, that way we can perform a pre-attack cyber attack. But before we do so, it will look like an unimportant rock in space.

>>34193762Is it possible to get traffic reports from Arman's Gate? It would be difficult to hide the movement of both large numbers of ships and the of very large ships themselves. Don't need to access miliary data, but traffic computers will need to know where are the military ships are and stuff.

>>34193876The main reason this is difficult is because of how the signal travels and the sensor network the UGEI have in place. Unless you somehow took down their entire sensor network at large, secretly putting giant network hubs in their territory is rather difficult. They can track down the signal whenever it sends, so even if you only did it right as you attacked (which you get the effect of now anyway) it would eventually be hunted down and destroyed after the first time active.

You can more easily slip in such things in their territory, however if you/when you>research additional communications tech>destroy key communication hub networks of the UGEI

Those are all that come to mind right now.

>>34193920A direct traffic report? Impossible, merely due to the level of security you're working with. But a vague understanding through hearsay and what the rest of their networks hear about what's going on there is more acceptable.

If you mean can you get information about the movement of this large fleet, then with this newly placed network you just set up, you will definitely hear about them moving, especially towards you.

>>34194029Most openly hostile nodes have cropped up in the past (right before the wasteland world that you found Erebus on was bombed, actually). The UGEI gained permission to deal with such terrorism anyway they saw fit.

That isn't to say it wouldn't mess them up a little. But it is safe to say they are well prepared for such a threat.

>>34194067How about a simple program that is designed to aim and fire an attack pattern from a disguised weaponize comm buoy/defense platform. It can open up to us so we can aim and fire on key comm hubs and other targets before we attack. If they get taken out, no big loss. If they work, the UGEI might be unready for us.

>>34194168What, placing these buoys? That wouldn't make them any less difficult to detect once all the fighting is over I'm afraid. But probing their defenses is certainly possible if you wish to do that at a later point.

I'll say that through checking so thoroughly, you'd be able to find that there are at least 3 thousand ships in this fleet, with, surprisingly, only several tens of thousands men involved in the set up-judging from military records. But other then that, you can't determine too much that I can figure.

>>34194238That...confuses me a little bit. are you saying you want to fire a communication relay into their territory in hopes of setting it up ahead of you?Because I don't think that would work very well myself. Perhaps I am looking at it wrong, though.

>If there are further questions, feel free to bring them. Things appear to be calmer, so I will move onto the next thing for now.

>>34194348As you consider your options for furthering your operations within enemy territory, you run over some of the data you have gotten from Gaia IV in the past cycle. Securing the flow of water through the cities has proven easier as you quickly begin to stamp out warlord after warlord.

>Message: Lawrence ClarkeAs of last cycle, your androids have begun work in getting several key water structures back online in certain major cities-and getting them under control of course, while hoping to distribute it to those that need it, and sell it using your new credit system to those that want excess (likely for bathing and the like), which can be acquired by further cooperation. You have garnered a solid base of people interested solely in the resources, and clearly still quite terrified of your droids. You have attempted to assuage their worries and fears with speeches, but your presence seems to only make matters worse. You suppose it will merely take time, for now. On the other hand, you have begun supplying Lawrence Clarke's faction with water, which has greatly increased his draw. So much so, it has drawn several away from your own faction, though it has done as you hoped it would, and earned another reply from him-this time a direct message."I must say, I certainly did not expect such a response out of you, Guildmaster I believe it was?" He opens with with a sort of laugh, the rather rugged looking man sitting across from your screen seems. "Especially not from 'invaders' as you were so called. That sort of generosity is rare in our society these days, something to be treasured. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, and all that..." He pauses, eyeing your representation. "So pardon me when I ask-what game are you playing, Guildmaster? I am not blind to being tricked, especially not anymore." He motions to his head. "And I can see you wouldn't be helping me if you didn't think it'd help you too. That's how the world works, right?"

>>34194348Um, looking back over that post, I should have reworded that. We set up a hidden weaponized platform to fire on the UGEI bases and system from one angle, and as they turn their attention that direction, we warp in from the other side and attack with out fleet. The buoy/platform is a faint distraction for our real attack.

>>34194410"I desire stability, you are willing to provide it at a faster rate than would otherwise be achieved.

You will find my rule of this world will be fair and open and not unduly burdensome. I will not bore you with the details, but the fact remains: The people are free to live their lives vastly much as they wish, and i will provide work. I gain from their labor, they gain from the freedom and protection i will provide."

>>34194485Ooooh.Unfortunately I am still inclined to decline, though that is rather inventive of you. The logistics of sneaking in your own platforms into the enemy territory are crazy, especially one with an intelligence network like the UGEI.

Again, you can damage their security by certain key targets, but that will become evident later.

>>34194410Not necessarily. We took Gaia's orbit because it's a strategic defensive chokepoint against the UGEI. The planet itself has very little to offer us. A reasonable argument was to ignore the surface entirely. However, we felt that the needless loss of life was unacceptable.

As long as there is no violence between us and you rule fairly and effectively, then we have no quarrel and you will be supplied. However, any remaining UGEI holdouts must be eliminated on the surface, the UGEI must pay for their crimes.

When the situation stabilizes and we deem you to be an acceptable leader for this planet, we will depart and you may keep you independance, given that it supports the Guild with a reasonable amount of resources for it's defense. Reasonable meaning does not place an undue burden.

>>34194410"The people are scared. Scared people do foolish things and don't work. I need to calm down the population and bring order back to this world. In doing so, I can get production re-started and this world rebuilt. I need that production. And I see YOU Mr. Lawrence Clarke to help calm the people down, and give them guidance and leadership they need."

>>34194516"Yes...stability. That's what we all want, isn't it?" Lawrence gives a sort of snorting laugh, dismissive as he shakes his head back and forth. "We are all trying to seek shelter from the rain at the end of the day. It's just who's house we go to to hide from it all. In yours, you promise peace, and warm beds for all, but the inner workings and origin are all a mystery." He frowns somewhat. "Not to mention it has...creepy servants. I've seen your shelters, their helpers are...strange to say the least. Sorry, I have a habit of going off on metaphors sometimes." He waves his hand to the side to dismiss the matter he just spoke of."Feel free." You merely state before following. "Though, your assumptions about me are wrong.""Are they?" He chuckles. "Do not all men in power want the same things?""And what of yourself?" You counter, curiously."I am not a man in power. I did not do this for control, or to be famous, nothing of the sort. I saw my services were needed, and they could finally be put to use now that the corrupt chains that bound us all were broken for a time." He says firmly, eyeing your hologram carefully."And you act as if I am one of the leaders you seem to distest so much.""I must be cautious." He explains."Of? We have only just met one another after all.""Yes, that is exactly the key here." He points out with a small nod. "Perhaps you aren't so bad, Guildmaster. Maybe you really did ride down here on your white horse to help bring light to the chaos. Maybe you really are doing all of this out of the goodness of your heart so no one has to get caught in the rain again. But, and this is no offense to you, good sir-I don't trust that for a damn minute." He settles on finally, as an odd sort of quiet fills the air between the two of you."You need not trust me, then, Lawrence. All I ask is your cooperation for the betterment of others, and a lack of violence.""Then you have that, stranger. As long as you don't pull anything shady."

>>34195059"So then we agree that such things should be stopped, do we not?" You ask curiously to which he raises a brow. "The UGEI are still littering the planet in holdout bunkers, no doubt, hoping to strike any attempts to retake control. I will need help rooting out such a thing...I trust you want them gone too?""You'd be right on that." He nods lowly. "Dogs just left us here, abandoned us for the invaders. Took anything or anyone they thought useful and just booked it." He explains. "I'd be happy to show them exactly how much they left behind."

That strange quiet returns for a short time, before you speak up."I care not for the rule of this place, only that senseless loss of life should be stopped. It is this way I hope you will be an acceptable leader when the time comes.""Huh...a funny thought." He shakes his head slowly. "That there is really no one better for the job then I. How sad is the world we live in, Guildmaster?"

"The people are merely afraid. They need to be reassured that their lives will be whole again. They merely want to function day to day without risk. It is not such a distant worry, Lawrence. I may require the planet's facilities, but I have no intent of harming it's people. You would take better care of them then I.""And what of you, Guildmaster?" He chuckles again. "Do you do all of this just for the people's sake like some sort of knight in shining armor? Or is it merely the planet's production you care for, to fuel some sort of blood thirst I have yet to see?"

>>34195083In the short term, the UGEI must be stopped. It has attacked the Guild over and over against, and will do so in the future.

But you do pose a good question. The Guild has has faced many difficult problems, and there are many things we could have done that could have been faster, easier. But we always took the harder route. But why? We have always cloaked our answers like "death is difficult to undo" or "wasted potential", but if we were to be honest to ourselves, it is just simply the right thing to do.

The universe is a garden, we must protect what's already there and enjoy it.

To add to myself:>>34195432Get Apollo to release an abbreviated history of the Guild. And NO PROPAGANDA. Little to none manipulation and doesn't reveal anything secret. Try to relay on unedited footage as much as possible. Show then that we are one of the best forces in this sector.

>>34195083"You may find it hard to believe, But even I have those I care for and for my children who I love more than anything. If it means I wage a war against the UGEI to protect them so be it. I want a world where those who follow me and my kindred can be at peace. So often the price of peace is so much death."

>>34195372After listening to the recording you had with the Admiral, careful to leave out parts about him knowing what 'you are', and he simply shakes his head, as if disbelieving."How can one man be so far wrong." He growls, clenching his fist. "Not only is he abusing people, but he thinks he's helping them on top of it. Like a mad king, directing his people to death in war after war in hopes he will one day find lost treasures that never truly existed." He sighs, glaring into the darkness just below the camera."It could be a forgery, could it not?" You answer his next thought for him, but he simply laughs at that."No...no, I know Prometheus. Or have heard of him. This....this sounds just like him." He frowns, leaving the two of you to fall into silence again."Regardless, I feel further words will not reassure you, Lawrence. Perhaps my actions will...over time." You suggest instead, to which he nods his head."Actions are what more politicians and diplomats need to speak with, in my opinion. Perhaps then we wouldn't end up with planetwide massacre and hysteria." He mutters mostly to himself sourly, and you leave it at that for now before following."And I intend to put a stop to that as well.""Heh, one man can not stop the blood thirst of entire nations. But the sentiment is what is important, I suppose.""What of a nation?""If you are really so powerful, then I question why you waste time here, on this world...but now we talk in circles, I am afraid. Perhaps one day, the UGEI and Malorians will pay for what they have done. But for now, I will not waste anymore of your time, Guildmaster.""It was time well spent, Lawrence. Some day soon, we shall speak on more equal terms."The feed cuts out there.

>>34195772Apologies for the slightly earlier end, but my plans were somewhat stifled by my sickness the day before, so I hope you all enjoyed what we've done today as much as I have. I may not be able to move the cycle ahead, unless you all wanted to, so let me know.

As always, questions comments and concerns and such are welcome. Will ask for a bit of things after thread too.

As for a topic: What is everyone's plans for what to tackle next? Most of your stationary issues no longer require immediate attention, and so you may be free to move about again, if you wanted. I can understand wanting to stay in place, however.

>>34195807I think our main issue is to get a bigger fleet with more to them to handle the damage the UGEI will dish out now. That super cannon spooks me. I guess we should look toward getting the Space drydocks to make new battleships.

>>34195937To do her, you'd need to advance research in her path unfortunately.

Other things:D. Advance cycle this turn?>1 Yes>2 No

E. Approve Android:Name-HK-1Chassis HumanoidSize- mediumWeapons-Large plasma blades attached under wrists. 2x Hard points for shoulder cannon 1 standard infantry rifleDefenses Power ArmourShields BasicPrimary Duty-Assassination/Morale DevastationIntellect Level-AutomatonEquipment: Synth Muscle; Adds even more unnatural strength to the droid as well as allowing it to move at even stranger angles.Suction pads on hands and feet :allow climbing. Terrifying appearance; a skull like face plate and coal black paint inspire terror in the enemy.should be used in solo assassination missions or in 20 unit riot squads to Brutally pacify a battlefield (by killing squad leaders and their subordinates) the :intellect level of the droid is simple if left with orders to kill it will murder the target and all enemy personnel around them with extreme prejudice while :screaming Jihad against their faction (Weapon of terror use with caution would be a terror boarding stations)

>1 Approve>2 Don't

F. Approve Android:Name- "Nosferatu"(fighter) "Specter"(bomber)Role- Atmosphere designed attack interceptor and bomber ground supportShip Type- Fighter and BomberWeapons- same as space based units.Engine- BestHull- The best that does not cut into speed and maneuverabilityShields- The best that does not take away from primary functionPoint Defense- none or minimal if there is spaceBandwidth- 0Cost- ???

>>34195947Again, we have the issue of not having the tech to build any bigger ship than a Carrier.

Also, I have a plan on how to deal with bigger ships. I want to reformat the Athena. Fill it with boarding droids and harden it's tip to shape it like a bullet. Put ourselves into the best android body as we can make. Enable the engines to go into overburn. So this way we can ram it into the bigger ship and launch the boarding party directly aka the Battlestar Galactica and the Colony.

>>34196073A. In favor of activating the found watcher and questioning it next session?>1 Do it

B. Deal with Erebos next session?>2 Don't

C. Move Lightlings to Gaia after building experimental feeding stations? (Note: will frighten any human forces moving through, ally or not, and stations may prove expensive.)>1 Move some

>Get Apollo to release an abbreviated history of the Guild. And NO PROPAGANDA. Little to none manipulation and doesn't reveal anything secret. Try to relay on unedited footage as much as possible. Show then that we are one of the best forces in this sector.

>>34196800Lawrence showed up last thread or so. Re-reading those threads might help you if writing him up. Still, he seems like the right serendipitous person to show up and help calm the people of Gaia for us. Still, I like his calm but strong air about him. He does not come off as a jerk.

>>34196822"Mr. Clarke, I would like to point out that, above all, I believe in freedom of thought. Humans are a fascinating species, different from both Losirians and Malorians in that they are willing to believe anything. No matter how wrong, or how self-destructive the belief structure is, someone is willing to follow it unto its conclusion. Several someones, maybe, all of these beliefs as different as the people of hold them."

"From there, it is natural selection. The powerful ideas, the ones that have truth to them which people can recognize and follow, those that bring strength and survival do themselves survive. The world of beliefs is its own wilderness, as chaotic as any jungle."

"That's what I hope to bring here. A place where people can see all the information, and create as many different views on it as they want. Naturally, I'll favor the information I want, but I intend to make availability to information a staple, once this planet is secure. I'll show them my beliefs, then let them accept or deny as they see fit. But, of course, I am confident. With my beliefs comes a higher chance for survival."

>>34196997Ah, very well then. I just had to ask. Still, It feels like the UGEI over all as a whole is taking a bigger interest in this sector of space. I wonder when we find out just how many more sectors we'll have to face after this.

>>34197147Once we take control of the Gate, it's probably take like 100 years or more for the UGEI to reconquer without the gate. In that time we split our resources between preparing the sector for defense and sending Kronos to colonize deep space.

>>34197234That and forge new warp lanes into neighboring sectors and start to spread out into those regions as well.

Well, is it just me but doesn't this whole quest have that awesome feel of a truly epic space opera like how Star Wars gave out? I can see this quest as a multi part block buster Live Action films. That or a huge and mostly detailed space setting much like warhammer 40k but far from grimdark.

"Mr. Clarke, I would like to point out that, above all, I believe in freedom of thought. Humans are a fascinating species, different from both Losirians and Malorians in that we are willing to believe anything. No matter how wrong, or how self-destructive the belief structure is, someone is willing to follow it unto its conclusion. Several someones, maybe, all of these beliefs as different as the people of hold them."

"From there, it is natural selection. The powerful ideas, the ones that have truth to them which people can recognize and follow, those that bring strength and survival do themselves survive. The world of beliefs is its own wilderness, as chaotic as any jungle."

"That's what I hope to bring here. A place where people can see all the information, and create as many different views on it as they want. Naturally, I'll favor the information I want, but I intend to make availability to information a staple, once this planet is secure. I'll show them my beliefs, then let them accept or deny as they see fit. But, of course, I am confident. With my beliefs comes a higher chance for survival."

>>34197805Now that We will soon have a monster pile of credits on our hands, Just how many more Mercs can we hire to help fill out our troop strength? If we get enough of them, and keep up our droid production, think we can get an early jump on taking that super weapon over in Walsh system?

>>34198452Yea, Mercs are wild card, but we need troops in a hurry. I still feel if we asked President King for some commandos, we might be able to barrow them. Maybe in exchange of some of our new tech perhaps?